Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 15: On the occasion of completing 150 years of Holy Cross Church, Cordel, a Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by vicar general of Mangalore diocese Msgr Fr Maxim Noronha accompanied by Fr Clifford Fernandes (parish priest), Fr Ivan Cordeiro and Fr Paul D’Souza (assistant parish priest), with the parish pastoral council members, guest priests and sisters and the parishioners attending the Holy Mass in large numbers. Fr Maxim Noronha preached the Word of God and wished the faithful gathered many blessings of the Holy Cross.

The Holy Mass was followed by a felicitation programme for the founders, benefactors, past vice presidents and secretaries of the parish pastoral council and the gurkars. A total of 206 people were felicitated for their selfless service in the growth of Holy Cross Church, Cordel. Fr Maxim Noronha in his address thanked the people who have rendered their service and are continuing to do so. He wished the gathering many more blessings and said that may Holy Cross Church become a pilgrim centre for the people of Mangaluru and the surrounding areas. Fr Clifford Fernandes thanked everyone for making the day so special and the celebration so successful.

The programme was attended and inaugurated by Fr Maxim Noronha, vicar general of diocese of Mangalore, Fr Clifford Fernandes, parish priest, Fr Ivan Cordeiro and Fr Paul D’Souza, Ruth Castelino – vice president (parish pastoral council), Anil D’Sa – secretary (parish pastoral council), Dolphy D’Souza - co-ordinator (21 Commissions), and the founders, benefactors, past vice presidents and secretaries of the parish pastoral council and the gurkars. Ruth Castelino welcomed the gathering. Renita Aranha compered the programme and Anil D’Sa rendered the vote of thanks.

The programme ended with a fellowship dinner.